Giant 'seagull' set to land on Istanbul skyline

By Lauren Said-Moorhouse and Matthew Knight, CNN

Updated 1108 GMT (1908 HKT) November 28, 2012

Istanbul's new 'seagull' transportation hub4 photos

Kabatas Seagull Transportation Hub – The planned new transport hub is designed to look like a flying seagull when viewed from the waters of the Bosphorus, as illustrated here by this CGI by creators, Hakan Kiran Architecture.

Hide Caption

1 of 4

Istanbul's new 'seagull' transportation hub4 photos

In addition to its iconic design, the building will incorporate green features including rainwater collection and a renewable energy facility.

Hide Caption

2 of 4

Istanbul's new 'seagull' transportation hub4 photos

The building will house a new metro link, a tram station, an underpass for vehicles and ferry docks. When it opens, the new transport hub will facilitate the transfer of 90,000 travelers daily.

Hide Caption

3 of 4

Istanbul's new 'seagull' transportation hub4 photos

This drawing gives a birds-eye view of the proposed building.

Hide Caption

4 of 4

Story highlights

A new seagull-shaped transport hub is to built on the banks of the Bosphorus

The new transport center will provide links for ferries, trains, buses and small ships, say developers

Project will incorporate green features like rainwater collection and renewable energy

Construction due to start next year with station scheduled to open in 2015/16

Wheeling around the skies above the ferry boats and cargo ships, seagulls are as a familiar sight above the Bosphorus as the commuters and containers on it.

Their enduring presence on Istanbul's busy waterway will soon be further cemented with the construction of a new transport hub designed to look like the seabird in flight.

Perched on the western shores of the Bosphorus, the Kabatas Seagull Transportation Hub will enable new and improved connections for ferries, trains, buses and some small ships, says Ali Ulvi Altan, director of major projects for Hakan Kiran Architecture.